US sanctions Iranians linked to nuclear weapons programme

ANI May 13, 2025 207 views

The US has sanctioned three Iranians and an entity tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons research successor, SPND. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran continues enriching uranium to 60%, raising global concerns. The sanctions follow indirect negotiations between the US and Iran in Oman.

"Today’s actions demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon." – US Department of State
Washington DC, May 13: The US Department of State on Monday announced sanctions against three Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity linked to Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), the successor to the country's pre-2004 nuclear weapons programme, known as the Amad Project.

Key Points

1

US targets SPND-linked individuals for WMD proliferation

2

Iran enriches uranium to 60% purity

3

Sanctions aim to delay nuclear research

4

Follows indirect US-Iran talks in Oman

The sanctioned parties were accused of contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement said, "Today, the Department of State is sanctioning three Iranian nationals and one Iranian entity with ties to Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, which is known by its Persian acronym, SPND - the direct successor organisation to Iran's pre-2004 nuclear weapons programme, also referred to as the Amad Project. All individuals sanctioned are involved in activities that materially contribute to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

The statement further highlighted Iran's status as the only non-nuclear-armed nation enriching uranium to 60 per cent purity, while also accusing the country of using front companies and procurement agents to obtain dual-use items from international suppliers.

"Iran continues to substantially expand its nuclear programme and carry out dual-use research and development activities applicable to nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons delivery systems. Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing uranium enriched to 60 per cent and it continues to use front companies and procurement agents to obscure its efforts to acquire dual-use items from foreign suppliers," the statement said.

It added, "The United States' actions are intended to delay and degrade the ability of SPND to conduct nuclear weapons research and development. Today's actions demonstrate the United States' commitment to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon."

The decision follows the conclusion of a fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Muscat, Oman.

In a post on X on Sunday, Baghaei wrote, "The fourth round of indirect Iran-US negotiations is concluded; difficult but useful talks to better understand each other's positions and to find reasonable and realistic ways to address the differences. The next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman."

https://x.com/IRIMFA_SPOX/status/1921559865396175094

According to Al Jazeera, a landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which US President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term, allowed Iran to pursue its civilian nuclear activity but put restrictions on uranium enrichment to prevent Tehran from making a nuclear bomb.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
The US sanctions show how serious the Iran nuclear issue is. As Indians, we must remember Iran is our neighbor and any instability there affects our energy security. Hope diplomacy works but India should also be cautious about our relations with both countries. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Interesting timing of these sanctions right after negotiations in Oman. The US seems to be using both carrot and stick approach. India has managed good relations with Iran despite US pressure - our Chabahar port project shows smart diplomacy. Hope we maintain this balance.
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Amit S.
While nuclear proliferation is concerning, the West's double standards are glaring. Why no sanctions on Israel's nuclear program? India should push for uniform global non-proliferation norms rather than selective targeting of nations.
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Sunita R.
This is a delicate situation for India. We get oil from Iran but also have strong ties with US. Hope our diplomats can navigate this carefully. The 60% uranium enrichment is definitely worrying though - reminds me of tensions during our nuclear tests era.
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Vikram J.
The sanctions may be justified but US foreign policy keeps changing with each administration. Remember how Trump tore up the 2015 deal that Obama made? India needs stable partners, not this policy flip-flop. At least our foreign policy is consistent! 😊

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Tags:
US sanctions Iran nuclear program SPND Amad Project Marco Rubio uranium enrichment